FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.04.2009 14:14

Pinto: “Valdés is right for Barça”

Jesús Carrillo

Barça’s current number 2 keeper told reporters today that he believes Valdés is the right man for the job.

A debate has arisen in the local sports press about the need or otherwise to extend the contract of the Barça first choice goalkeeper. Pinto made it clear that it wasn’t really a matter for him to discuss but assured reporters that Valdés has what it takes to be at the Club.

Valdés focussed

Pinto explained that Valdés is, “completely relaxed and focussed on the team and his training and I don’t notice any difference from other days or weeks. He is the right goalkeeper for our style of play. He’s been here for many years and that must mean something”.

Pinto, who has kept goal in all the Cup matches, revealed: “Valdés is a great team player and a fantastic team-mate. Obviously, there’s healthy competition between Valdés, Jorquera and me”.

The Cup Final

Having played in all the previous rounds, Pinto will be hoping to keep his place in the starting line-up in the Spanish Cup Final on 13th May in the Mestalla stadium in Valencia. “Guardiola will decide and so will do what’s best for the team. I’m a team player and so I’m not worried at all. I’m always ready. I train hard every day in case the team needs me”.

A glut of matches

The first team are facing a lot of important matches over the next few weeks. According to Pinto: “We’ll be well prepared physically. We have some exceptional fitness coaches who look after the health of the players and the workloads depend basically on personal and match circumstances. When we have to rest, we rest. It’s true that we’ll play a lot of matches but that doesn’t tire out a footballer”.